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In a phone interview, Pawar opens up on his remarkable achievement.

How did your interest in wildlife and photography develop?
URP: Our house is located on the outskirts in Gwalior.

The Salburun or “hunter’s zest” is organized each year to preserve the fast disappearing hunting traditions of the nomadic Kyrgyz people. I watched in awe as skilled horsemen shot off arrows from their composite bows, a deadly combination which had once enabled the nomadic hordes to conquer the greatest land empire in history.

I missed out on the Taigan races.

Tell us how you captured it.

The weather cleared, revealing a beautiful view of snow covered forests before us. This year, according to the competition instructions, I submitted my entry in December last year.

They called me up and confirmed that I had been shortlisted and that I was a category winner early this year.

Finally it was time to depart.

Jengish’s brother shared with me some of the images of Marco Polo Argali and Markhor and experiences from his study tour of hunting conservancies from Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

In the mornings I would set out early to try and photograph wildlife, for it took time to round up the horses, load the packs and prepare the meals. It has always been my passion. It was late in the afternoon when we reached Bokonbayevo village near Issyk kul. I set shop on the banks of the river at 4.30am and hid behind a large rock, waiting for the right moment.

I admired the sturdiness of our Kyrgyz horses which stood exposed to the cold outside, their fur caked in snow. Lots of people I met showed me images of slain wolves in their mobiles. These trips also gave the chance to take pictures of animals in their natural habitats. He brought home amazing photos and stories – and, upon his return, decided to donate 50,000 Indian rupees (around $750) from his Young Wildlife Photographer’s prize money to snow leopard conservation projects in Kyrgyzstan.

We were all touched by Udayan’s talent and his generous spirit, and we’re happy and honored that he has agreed to share stories and photos from his trip here.

By Udayan Rao Pawar

Many, many thanks to Mr Koustubh Sharma and Mr Kubanych Zhumabai for giving me this great opportunity.

It was a steep descent and luckily we had dismounted, leading our horses by their bridle. But I will always continue capturing my journey through wildlife pictures. I spent many happy hours photographing birds and animals, constantly referring to my field guide to identify them.

Sadly, today there are few animals in my backyard. A doe and a calf cautiously stepped out into a clearing in the forest.

There are 18 category winners. The photograph captures a moment between the gharial mother and its newly-hatched babies as they climb onto her head and crowd around. I would spend hours looking for insects, birds or any kind of animal and identifying them from the book.